On January 19 at approximately 11:08 p.m. the City of Forest Fire Department responded to Sherman Hill Road for a report of a structure fire. Forest Fire Department, along with Homewood Volunteer Fire Department, responded as mutual aid to Lake Volunteer Fire Department as their units were on an extended fire scene due to a tractor trailer fire on Interstate 20.
Forest Fire Chief Jason Tillman said, “Once our first units arrived on scene, they found a single-story residential structure with heavy fire showing. Fire units made entry into the home to make an attack on the fire and upon their entry they located a deceased male victim near the front door. As firefighters were able to attack the fire and move further into the structure a secondary search was made where a second, female, victim was located inside the residence.”
The Scott County Coroners office identified the victims of the fire as David Smith, 61, and Diane Smith, 64. FPD officials confirmed that Mr. Smith made the initial 911 call to report the house fire to authorities.
The fire scene is currently being investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department along with the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s office who are working to determine the cause of the fire.
